Cinderella

Sergei Prokofiev composed the ballet Cinderella, which originally premiered at Moscow's Bolshoi Theater in 1945. The 2018 Paris Opera Ballet production revisits this classic work through Rudolf Nureyev's 1986 choreography, which transposes the fairy tale to a private cinema setting. The set design notably draws visual cues from Fritz Lang's 1927 science fiction film Metropolis, offering a unique blend of ballet and cinematic atmosphere.

Dorothée Gilbert features prominently in this production, bringing the titular role to life through dance. The Paris Opera Ballet, known for its rigorous technique and artistic prestige, provides a definitive interpretation of Nureyev's vision. The recording was produced in collaboration with ARTE, the French-German cultural channel, along with Opéra National de Paris, BelAir Media, and Fondation Orange.

For collectors, the availability of Cinderella (2018) on both DVD and Blu-ray allows access to a performance that bridges classical ballet and modern staging aesthetics. This physical media captures a notable moment in ballet history, preserving Nureyev’s choreography and the Paris Opera’s execution for repeated viewing. Its connection to iconic works like Prokofiev's score and Lang's Metropolis enhances its cultural resonance.

The 129-minute runtime provides a full-length experience of the ballet, making it a comprehensive addition for enthusiasts of ballet and physical media collectors focusing on music and dance performances. This release exemplifies the intersection of performing arts and cinematic presentation, expanding the appreciation of ballet beyond live theater venues.